Somali pirates have released a Dutch ship they hijacked in the Gulf of Aden, the Ministry of Defence in The Hague has announced.

On 7 May, pirates took possession of the MV Marathon, sailing under the flag of the Dutch Antilles. In the ensuing gunfight one crewmember of the Dutch ship was killed, it was revealed on Tuesday. Another crewmember was injured, but remains in a stable condition.

The Dutch frigate De Zeven Provinciën which is patrolling in the area, is helping the Marathon crew. They are receiving medical treatment on board their own ship and have been given new supplies of victuals and fuel. 

After the hijack the ship was taken to Eyl in Puntland, and long drawn-out negotiations over its release were held between the Somali pirates and the Dutch government. It is not known whether a ransom has been paid. The Marathon was transporting a cargo of cokes, a coal product.